U.S. and Chinese Fast-Food Chains Have Expanded Overseas
Major restaurant brands have crossed borders to capture new consumer bases amid shifts in domestic markets.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Chinese Food
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American and Chinese fast-food chains have increased their cross-border expansion to penetrate new markets. While U.S. brands aim to reach China's massive consumer population, Chinese chains are entering the U.S. to mitigate domestic real estate and spending challenges.
Why it matters
These strategic moves represent a reciprocal effort to maintain growth as companies seek to tap into larger global consumer bases. Brands are leveraging local partnerships and specialized product offerings to navigate the logistical and cultural demands of international markets.
KFC currently operates 13,000 locations in China compared to 3,750 in the U.S. Additionally, at least nine mainland Chinese chains have launched in the U.S. since 2023, including Luckin Coffee with 20 stores in New York and Heytea with 40 total U.S. locations.
The players
KFC
This American fast-food chain has maintained a massive footprint in China for decades.
McDonald's
The global burger giant is aggressively scaling its presence in China to hit 10,000 locations.
Mixue
A Chinese tea and snack chain that has begun establishing a physical retail presence in the U.S.
Luckin Coffee
This Chinese coffee chain is currently operating stores within the New York metropolitan area.
Heytea
A beverage-focused Chinese brand that has expanded its reach to 40 locations in the United States.
The details
American brands are utilizing partnerships with local Chinese firms to manage financial risk and secure prime real estate, while Chinese restaurant chains are focusing their U.S. entry strategy on popular snacks and drinks. This reciprocal expansion comes as Chinese chains face a domestic real estate slump and weakened consumer spending.
Timeline
KFC opened its first restaurant in Beijing in 1987.
McDonald's and Pizza Hut expanded into China in 1990.
Burger King officially arrived in China in 2005.
Mixue launched its first three U.S. stores in December 2025.
McDonald's has set a goal to reach 10,000 stores in China by 2028.
Culture Shift
The 2026 acquisition of a 60% stake in Starbucks' China operation by a Chinese investment firm highlights the changing nature of international market control. This move underscores a broader shift where global brands are increasingly partnering with local entities to navigate unique regulatory environments.
Consumers can expect to see an increase in specialized Chinese snack and beverage options appearing in major U.S. urban centers. Conversely, diners in China will continue to see a proliferation of American fast-food chains as they aggressively expand their restaurant footprints.
The takeaway
The reciprocal entry of fast-food chains across the U.S. and China reflects a necessary shift toward international diversification during periods of domestic economic uncertainty. Success for these brands will depend on their ability to localize menus while maintaining the operational scale of their home markets.
What happens next
McDonald's is slated to work toward its target of 10,000 total store locations in China by the end of 2028.
Further reading
Explore more about how brands are adapting to new markets in our Chinese Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Durango Herald.
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